Pageants can have a bad reputation. Often accused of reducing women to their vital statistics, hairdresser Annie Hood says she has seen beauty contests improve women's confidence.
"Some are terrified just standing in front of a few judges in a room talking, so getting them to do it in front of 1,000 people is incredible," said Annie.
"Many apply to build their confidence."
The mum of one was chosen to style contestants' hair for Miss Black Africa UK last year and organisers were so impressed by her work that they invited her back this year.
Annie, who owns Afrofusion in west Hull, became involved in the pageant by accident when one of her clients took part in the competition.
"Some of the other girls in the pageant really liked her hair and that's how I became involved," she said.
Not only did Annie style the 40 girls' hair, she was also asked to work on photo shoots afterwards for the pageant.
This year, she was also asked to be a judge for the third and fourth auditions of the competition, which is held in October.
With 1,200 applicants this year, the largest number to date, Annie had her work cut out to whittle down the entries.
She said the women taking part are beautiful "both inside and outside" and the talents they showcase need to be given a platform.
"African girls in this country are very talented.
"There are actors, singers and dancers who take part in the contest, plus many who have worked with charities.
"It's amazing to see these girls who want to do so much with their lives.
"They may not all be winners, but it will build up their confidence so much."
The 41-year-old specialises in Afro and Caribbean hair.
She moved to the UK ten tears ago from Kenya, stopping first in London, which she said was "too loud" a place in which to bring up her son.
She then moved up north to Hull, where she attended a beginners' teaching course at Hull College.
Now, Annie hopes to train more stylists at her salon.
She has been training a stylist for eight months and hopes to take on more students when she gets the go-ahead.
"She's come on so much and has so much more to give," Annie said about her trainee.
"I want to do it for more girls."
She has prospective students already lined up who are "black, white and from all walks of life".
The plan is then for Annie to mentor them and she said her aim was to "inspire them throughout life".
